How to return to clinical dietetics after a break

Family, personal, or job-related circumstances are the most commonly reported motivations for taking a career break. A break does not mean a dietitian’s practice is broken. Staying connected, finding a mentor and pursuing continuing education resources are the top recommendations for dietitians looking to successfully return to clinical practice. 

Stay connected 

The world of dietetics is small, and networking is one of the most effective ways to stay in touch with other dietitians. Facebook groups, Instagram, state conferences and online job boards are some of the top ways to stay connected.1 Regardless of how networking happens, it is a key component to help dietitians return to the field after taking a hiatus. If you are known, then people contact you to offer you a job when a job opens up. 

Resources to build confidence 

Feeling uncertain about re-entering the dietetics workforce is common, especially in the clinical side of the field. Interpreting laboratory values, calculating tube feeding needs, and completing total parenteral nutrition orders may present a steep learning curve. Support groups, dietetic practice groups and formal re-training programs can all help boost a dietitian’s confidence in their clinical knowledge.  

Non-dietetics skills gained while away from the clinical setting can be an asset. Soft skills are just as important as calculating a TPN order. Dietitians who return to management positions may be better able to sympathize with their team, therefore reducing stress and turnover.

Commit to a schedule to stay current 

Just like dietitians encourage patients and clients to do, set a goal to complete one educational program each day, three programs each week, attend one conference every year, or another schedule that meets your needs. There are lots of ways to learn; start peppering opportunities into your schedule. 

Choose the “right” research articles 

Reading research articles is hardly anyone’s favorite pastime. But if you are looking for the latest and greatest information, peer-reviewed journal articles will likely be your best source. Instead of sifting through stacks of research, look for review articles. These will oftentimes summarize results from several studies. Review articles certainly don’t replace original research articles, but they provide a good overview. 

Never underestimate the power of a good reference 

Why memorize when you can reference? Did you know that Dietitians On Demand has more than 50 unique infographics? These one-pagers are the perfect resource to print and post at your desk or stash a copy on your clipboard.  There are handy-dandy guides for topics like, diabetes medications, TPN electrolytes, NFPE cheat sheets, survey checklists, and more. Best of all, they are all free.  

Return to work with a flexible schedule 

Because family, personal, or job-related circumstances are the most common reported motivations for taking career breaks, it’s common for those returning to the field to shy away from clinical roles. They can be thought to require long and inflexible hours. However, in this gig economy, that doesn’t have to be the case, even for clinical dietitians! 

Consultant dietitians are nutrition professionals who typically work independently or as part of a consulting firm. They share their expertise in settings such as acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, dialysis centers, community health centers and clinics, physician practice groups, schools, grocery stores, telehealth, and anywhere else you may find a dietitian.  

Working as a consultant dietitian comes with the amazing benefit of choosing when and where you work, enjoying a wide variety of work experiences and quickly building back that clinical skill. Consultant dietitians may earn a higher hourly rate, and this is usually because of the less-predictable nature of contract work. Consider how much flexibility you want in a role, and how much flexibility you’re willing to offer in exchange.  

The demand for dietitians is increasing 

The number of new registered dietitians between now and 2031 is not projected to keep up with the demand of growth in the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the “dietitians and nutritionists” job category will grow by 7%, which equals 5,600 new positions each year.  In 2023, there were 4,068 newly credentialed dietitians.³ If these trends continue, that leaves more than 1,500 projected unfillable roles annually. 

If you’re a dietitian considering re-entering the paid workforce after a break, this might be music to your ears. The job search process may be less competitive, and a resume gap is even less of an issue. 

You don’t have to be working in the field of clinical nutrition long to realize that things are always changing. And if you’ve recently taken a break from the clinical dietetics workforce, it might feel overwhelming to jump back in. Not to worry. If you find yourself in need of a user-friendly, clinical nutrition refresh, or a flexible, rewarding new job opportunity, Dietitians On Demand has just what you need. 

Dietitians On Demand is a nationwide staffing and recruiting company for registered dietitians, specializing in short-term, temporary, and permanent-hire positions in acute care, long-term care, and food service. We’re dedicated to dietitians and helping them enhance their practice and excel in the workplace. Check out our job openings, request your coverage, or visit our store today!

References 

Opting In and Out: A Qualitative Study Exploring Career Break Experiences of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, Vaterlaus Patten, Emily et al., Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 124, Issue 2, 181 – 193 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Dietitians and Nutritionists. Modified September 6, 2023. Accessed November 11, 2024. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dietitians-and-nutritionists.htm  

Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Summary by Registration Eligibility Pathway. Examinees with One Year From First Attempt Period Ending 2023. Accessed Nov. 11, 2024. https://www.cdrnet.org/vault/2459/web//2024-02-26_CDR-DT+RD-SumbyRegEligPath[78].pdf